Micho Sredojevic says Orlando Pirates are determined to qualify for the CAF Champions League because Africa is missing the Buccaneers.

Pirates are second on the Absa Premiership standings, just a point behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. Should they finish in one of the top two spots, they will return to the Champions League for the first time since they lost in the final in 2013.

Sredojevic says they will make sure that they win their remaining five matches, which will guarantee them a spot in the continental competition.It would also give them a good chance of winning the domestic title ahead of Sundowns, should the Brazilians drop points along the way.

"I'm pleased that we are there at present in a place that is leading us to Africa because people across the continent are missing Orlando Pirates," Sredojevic said.

"And we shall do everything possible in the remaining five matches we have in front of us in order to reach that. But having in mind that in our last matches, we have finalist of CAF Confederation Cup [SuperSport United] ahead of us.

"That will be a top test for us and this is what we are looking for next week [Wednesday]."

Micho added that they will prepare well for the Champions League because they don't want to go there just to add numbers.

"We want to do everything possible so when that time to play in Africa [comes], we are fully ready.

"Instead of judging us this moment, it will be unfair to look to future. We need to give respect to opponents in front of us and those behind us.

"Once we get there, we know the criteria and standard because this is a lake with many crocodiles where I was swimming for the last 18 years and I believe that we shall together with Pirates will reach and put a star on the badge. I know how to swim and we have a dream where we want to add more stars.

"Africa is hungry to see Pirates as a brand respected in the continent to the highest possible degree."

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